Charlevoix Public Schools May 5 Election

On Tuesday, May 5, the Charlevoix Public Schools will hold its annual school election. On the ballot will be two positions on the Board of Education and the non-homestead millage renewal. Below are the common questions and answers about the non-homestead millage, which is required since 1994 for every school district in Michigan.

Please feel free to contact me at 547-3204 if you have any questions or would like clarification on this issue.

Please vote May 5


Chet Janik
Superintendent


What is a “non-homestead” property tax?
It is an 18-mill tax levy on business, industrial, agricultural and non-homestead properties within a given school district. It is NOT a tax on primary residences. Because this is a local tax levy, Charlevoix Schools would lose the entire amount of money raised by this tax if the millage request is denied.

How much money is raised by 18 mills?
The amount varies from district to district, depending on the combined value of property in that district. For Charlevoix, the 18 mills represent $ 7.7 million — or about 75% — of the district’s total operating budget.

Why do we need to vote on this renewal?
When state lawmakers implemented Proposal A — which shifted most of the financing of education from property taxes to the increased state sales tax — they felt it was important to retain a local voice in the funding system. This “local voice” took shape as voter approval of the “non-homestead” millage, which is levied only against non-homestead property, yet must be approved by all residents.

Will my home property tax rates go up if I vote yes?
No. Your home property tax rate will remain the same.

What happens if I vote yes?
For homeowners and businesses alike, nothing will change: the tax is not levied on homestead properties, and those properties subject to the tax will simply continue to pay a tax they have been paying all along. For the Charlevoix School District, a yes vote will mean a continuation of $ 7.7 million worth of direct local funding.

What happens if I vote no?
For homestead property owners, nothing will change. For the Charlevoix School District, a no vote will mean the loss of $ 7.7 million in direct tax revenue. The rate will drop only for commercial, industrial and non-homestead residences; however, the direct loss of this funding would adversely affect all educational programs.

Can the District use bond money to cover expenses?
No. While the District receives revenue from the 1999 and 2008 bonds, these funds are restricted by law to bond projects and cannot be used for general fund expenses.